By Ma Ma - Jan 16, 2025

There has been a high turnover of workers at DMA Garment Factory due to excessive demands for production targets, increasing pressure on those who remain, according to factory employees.

The factory, owned by a Chinese national, is located on Min Aya Road, Shwe Than Lwin Industrial Zone, Yangon Region. It operates with a workforce of over 300 workers.

The factory has neither a union nor a WCC (Workplace Coordination Committee). It produces garments without attaching labels, for export to Japan.

"The factory hasn't been open for long. The workforce is unstable, and skilled labor is lacking. While workers apply for jobs, the management often demands production targets beyond what workers can handle. They pressure us with yelling, scolding, and even insults if targets are not met. These daily incidents of verbal abuse and harsh treatment drive workers to quit. Those who remain are forced to shoulder increased pressure to meet production targets," one worker explained.

The factory’s regular working hours are from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with a standard two hours of overtime daily.

Workers are paid a base daily wage of 6,800 kyats, along with a allowance of 3,000 kyats, amounting to a total of 9,800 kyats. Overtime pay is calculated at 1,800 kyats per hour.

"New factories and workplaces are establishing, but employers are not taking positive steps to ensure labor rights or human rights protections. No one is stepping in to help address these issues," another worker added.

The factory workers are calling for the ending the excessive pressure to meet unrealistic production quotas, stopping verbal abuse and insults directed at workers and taking effective action against those who mistreat or harass workers.